My decision

The feelings she has for Terashima Yuhi are love, but this special feeling towards Ru. She doesn't know how to describe it.

Her thoughts broke off when she spotted some noodle stuck to the edge of his mouth and on his clothing. She took out her handkerchief and leaned toward Ru.

"Geez, you're such a sloppy eater. What are you five years old?"

Mamoru laughed. "Sorry, sorry. I am hungrier than I thought."

Is it because of what just happened? Indeed, she did feel mentally exhausted. This is Jack's fault for letting his guard down. She does owe him for the information, but she can make him owe her too.

Sumire wiped the noodles from his clothes and turned to his lips. It was right then when she realized how close they were. She immediately passed him the handkerchief. "Do it yourself."

"R-right."

She shifted away until she was at the end of the table again. Recently, it seems like they end up in situations like this where they end up necessarily close to each other. That was a close one, just now- she noticed Ru was staring at her.

Since when did he start looking at her like that?

Sumire felt her heartbeat increase. How strange, there is something weird about this.

Ru is Ru; they have known each other since she was seven. Nine entire years have passed by since then. Back when she first started to become comfortable with Ru. She developed a bad habit of staring at him for long periods. She was curious why this person who smiled so much would choose to remain by her side?

Even when she looked at him, she did not get nervous back then. But the situation has changed now. Is it because they are older?

She shook her head and quickly finished her meal. If her mother was still alive, she would surely scold her for eating junk food before sunrise. However, after the meal, she no longer felt anxious. Her beating heart was calmer.

Sumire looked over at Ru. Sometimes he would get a spaced-out look on his face. Those are the only times he would stop smiling. During these times, she wonders what he is thinking?

Her thoughts broke off when she realized Ru was staring at her.

"Is there something wrong, Ki?"

"Ru, may I sit closer? You won't do anything to me if I ask you not to, will you?"

Sumire didn't wait for a response and was walking over already.

"I'm not to be trusted, huh?"

"Of course not."

After all, Ru is still a man.

If Yuhi hears that she casually waltz into a guy's room, he will definitely be mad about it. It's strange how she is considering Yuhi's opinions, even though they are not dating. However, if she is left alone right now, she will end up wailing in her own misery again.

Moreover, if this is Ru, if he wanted to take advantage of her, he could have easily done so a long time ago. But Ru is still a guy, and that's why she had to say that. She slumped her body against his broad back and sighed.

"You got angry earlier."

"I don't like it when people intentionally seek to harm you, Ki."

Sumire laughed at his response. Even though she expected it already, this still makes her heart flutter. How can he be so kind?

There are so many bad people in this world with hidden motives and intentions. But Ru is not like that at all; he has never lied to her. Even if he wanted to, it would show on his face, and he would not be able to maintain the facade for long.

"Mmm, I understand, Ru. But they are right. I am not a good person. How many of their allies have I killed?"

"That's because you were following Aki's orders."

"That's true, but ,that decision was still mine and mine alone to make at the end of the day. I could have refused the job or found another way that did not involve the death of another human. I have committed many sins."

That's why she doesn't mind facing those nightmares every night as retribution for her sins.

It is not enough to wash away all her sins, but if she experiences hell. Then those who she killed can finally experience peace. That is one of the reasons why she has not attempted suicide recently. But once she gets tired again, there is no doubt she will turn to it.

Sumire sighed deeply. Why is her life so exhausting? Sometimes she wishes she - her thoughts broke off when she felt Mamoru pat her hair.

"Aha."

"S-sorry, I don't know what else to do."

"No, this is nice too," Sumire mumbled.

Ru is not the type of person who would waste his words on advice that is only for show. If he has something he wants to say, he will say it, and if he doesn't have anything to say but still wants to comfort her, he will find another way.

"About the guy we saw. He is connected to the recent crimes. However, he is too dangerous."

"Is he the ringleader?"

Mamoru sighed, frustrated. "You are far too sharp, Ki; nothing escapes you."

"I think it is even more foolish that you are trying to hide something so obvious from me."

But the leader is personally going around assassinating and taking the brains? This is the first time she has heard of such a thing. Normally, the leaders would ask their subordinates to do tasks like this.

Then again, based on what she saw, that guy is plenty powerful. How odd was there such a strong individual other than Aki and Ru? She can't say she ever saw somebody that strong. If there was, Aki would have already recruited them a long time ago.

"Ki." Mamoru suddenly grabbed hold of her hand. "I understand your desire to help, believe it or not. But this is very dangerous. You said it yourself that triple S missions are life-threatening."

"Do you think I am incapable?"

Mamoru shook his head. "No, I know how capable you are. You're not at the top of the underworld for no reason. However, it's precisely because you're the strongest. We cannot lose you."

Ah yes, she is strong. Her strength far surpasses thousands of people in the underworld. Right now, she stands at the very top. But how could she be satisfied with this position? Standing at the top of all this means it would be harder to discard it and live a normal life.

Does Ru not realize that?